After pan-bashing, France's Macron faces Labour Day protests. By that point in her career, she had worked at Leo Burnett and served as Vice President at Soft Sheen Products, Inc., a family hair care and beauty company founded by her in-laws. Mr. Gardner told the Chicago Citizen that he and Mrs. Gardner are blessed to have been honored for their many contributions over the years. Click below to see everything we have to offer. He reduced employment 27 percent, to 620 employees, between 1984 and 1988 by not replacing workers who left. Edward G. Gardner, co-founder of Soft Sheen Products Soft Sheen markets its products in several countries, including Africa, Brazil, and the Caribbean, as well as in the United States. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', WebOwner. Source: International Directory of Company Histories, Vol. Targeting these 'Generation Y' consumers--which research showed to be an underserved segment of the market--Soft Sheen went for an innovative, fresh look and feel in its product packaging and ad copy. Now, retail outlets can't stock enough of the products. Privacy Policy. Edward G. Gardner, a trailblazing businessman in the beauty industry as the co-founder of Soft Sheen Products, has passed away, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. He also taught me how to make mistakes. The slowdown was largely due to a consumer trend toward shorter and drier hairstyles, which required fewer styling products. }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; Soft Sheen started as a garage-based business and grew to an international empire that influenced how people all over the world beautified themselves. }).render('ba25868856a746c68da2b09b1b55bc48'); } Dismayed by the level of violence in the community, in the 1980s he created the non- profit organization, Black On Black Love. At twelve, he took me to work with him on Saturdays, where I learned to make hair products. In the middle of Soft Sheen's astonishing growth spurt, Edward and Bettiann Gardner turned the company's presidency over to their oldest son, Gary. As a side job, Gardner would personally deliver the products out of the back of his car to beauty salons on Chicagos South Side, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Distributors say Mr. Gardner and his wife, who was Soft Sheen's marketing chief, commissioned an independent study to prove the products work. . We see them around but we don't know what goes on behind the scenes. He was 98, his family said. } All rights reserved. Although his Organic line isn't as widely distributed as Soft Sheen's products, it is being sold in beauty supply stores and professional salons nationwide, including industry leader Sally Beauty, owned by Melrose Park-based Alberto-Culver Inc. One Sally operator says he increased the store's monthly order of Organic products from 84 items to 336 in just four months -- and still sells out within two or three days of delivery. Gary Gardner. ft. warehouse at 95th & Cottage Grove into House of Kicks, a family entertainment and educational complex. Last year, the $80-million Chicago-based company was sold to French cosmetics giant L'Oreal SA for an estimated $100 million-plus. Blitzing the city with banners, print and radio advertisements, the campaign registered over 200,000 new voters and helped secure Harold Washingtons victory. Unfortunately, those challenges never went away in spite of his tremendous business success.. Soft Sheen Products Inc., a relatively small Chicago-based company, will help its new parent fill that hole. 1-877-812-1590, Companies scramble to keep abortion off annual meeting agendas, With WWE deal, Ari Emanuel doubles down on contact sports, Gunman kills three at Michigan State; suspect found dead, Sponsored Content: Food insecurity set to grow as emergency SNAP benefits end, Outcome Health execs convicted in federal fraud case, The Most Powerful Women In Chicago Business. In 2007, after 16-year-old Blair Holt was shot and killed while riding the bus home from school, Ed Gardner purchased thousands of dollars worth of billboards with messages about Black-on- Black Love. Upon assuming her position, she almost immediately began making significant changes in the company's operations. A private family service is planned. In addition to battling the soft market and growing competition, Soft Sheen was also struggling with internal problems. Michelle Harris (8th) praised the Gardners saying that they are the epitome of what an African American entrepreneur is. That's how executives, speaking publicly for the first time since the acquisition July 1, explained the deal Thursday. Terri Gardner. }); EVENTS Gardner The grassroots organization has been a staple in Chicagos activist community for decades. Mr. Gardner declined a request for an interview with a curt "I'm not going to talk to you about it.". He taught me how to build, how to fix things, how to drive, and how not to drive. Ed Gardners greatest contribution to the city he loved was doing everything he could to help Chicago elect its first Black Mayor, Harold Washington, in 1983. In the 1980s, Ed and his wife Bettiann became co-owners of the Chicago Bulls basketball team, cementing their love for Chicago and its award-winning franchise. On Thursday, the lives and efforts of these civic pillars were celebrated by hundreds of people including dignitaries, public officials, and former Soft Sheen employees. 1964: Gary and Bettiann Gardner begin Soft Sheen in the basement of their home. 1979: Soft Sheen introduces Care Free Curl, causing revenues to increase dramatically. 1985: Gary Gardner becomes president and CEO of Soft Sheen. 1996: Gary Gardner resigns, and is replaced by his sister, Terri Gardner. Mr. Gardner persevered, later moving to his garage in the West Chesterfield neighborhood, and by the 1980s, owning one of the largest and most successful Black hair care companies in the United States, Soft Sheen Products. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { We will introduce items that will grow every category we compete in, from hair color through relaxers, styling aids, conditioners, and wave products.'. He was 98 years old. Mr. Gardner died Monday at his home near 91st Street and Michigan Avenue, where he spent all but four of his 98 years, his family said. Soft Sheen cnx({ That drove him to anger, said Gary Gardner. He was 98 years old. page_type: 'article', He was 98. Industry insiders speculate that Mr. Gardner, flush with cash from the sale of the family business, is funding Namaste by himself. See Photos. targeting: { Sign Up. But about six months ago, Namaste began an aggressive marketing campaign for its Organic Root Stimulator products that included advertising in Essence, Ebony and Jet magazines. Terri had previously served as Soft Sheen's executive vice-president of advertising, as well as president of Brainstorm Communications, the company's ad agency. He employs fewer than 25 administrators and marketers and outsources manufacturing and packaging operations, sources say. The planned research and development center was almost certain to result in substantial innovations in ethnic hair care products and a steady flow of new product introductions. In 1996, the Gardners established an With this war chest, he mounted a campaign that registered more than 200,000 voters. Edward G. Gardner, co-founder of Soft Sheen Products and precious philanthropist, dead at 98 by Elwood Hill March 22 2023 Edward G. Gardner's hair care line began in his home basement and grew to be one the largest Black-owned organizations of its kind in the country. Gardner served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II and later earned a bachelors degree from Chicago Teachers College (now Chicago State University) and a masters degree from the University of Chicago under the GI Bill. Yes, yes, yes. page_type: 'article', ]); Edward G. Gardner was a humanitarian, a philanthropist, and a successful businessman, who loved the city of Chicago and Chicago loved him in return. She made good on her promise. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Did we say it over and over and over again? Ed Gardner was a well-known and admired businessman. 1979: Soft Sheen introduces Care Free Curl, causing revenues to increase dramatically. 1985: Gary Gardner becomes president and CEO of Soft Sheen. 1996: Gary Gardner resigns, and is replaced by his sister, Terri Gardner. Soft Sheen Products Inc. is the top U.S. producer of ethnic hair care products. L'Oreal, which had a reputation for heavy investment in research and development, expected its new Chicago center to be operational by the year 2001. tag: 'mandc,black-haircare,edward-g-gardner,hair-products,haircare,soft-sheen-products', He was my father, my hero, my teacher, Gary Gardner said in a news release. Women of Power Summit Ed Gardner was a well-known and admired businessman. By the late 1980s, the company was one of the largest Black-owned beauty brands in the country. He made his own way.. Outside of their business, the Gardners remained staunch community activists being actively involved in Harold Washingtons mayoral campaigns for example and together were members of several organizations including the Chicago Urban League and Chicago United. 130 E. Randolph St. The line is being distributed nationwide through retailers including the nation's largest beauty supply chain, Sally Beauty Co. The house in which he died Monday was two houses down from the home where he grew up, his family said. To ensure that the company did not outgrow its capabilities, Gardner deliberately decelerated. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said China has agreed to discuss fishing rights in the South China Sea, as he pushed for a "direct communication line" with Beijing on maritime differences. Alvin Bragg, Manhattan district attorney leading Trump case, says rhetoric wont intimidate office, Video shows sheriffs deputies and hospital workers pinned Irvo Otieno to floor before his death, I agree to storage of my email according to, WATCH: Brittney Griner delivers remarks to the media, OPINION: The College Boards secret apology, Harry Belafonte mourned by entertainment world, Biden, Obama, Carolyn Bryant Donham, at center of Emmett Till death, dies, FIRST PERSON: For this Black mom, Ralph Yarl could have been her son. If there was a violent event where someone was at the hospital and needed help, he would write a check to that family, Gardners son, Gary Gardner said, the Sun-Times reports. Economic Equity & Racial Justice Townhall Series, Elevate Black Podcast sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, 100 Founders of Change by American Express, Chasing Success Podcast by JP Morgan Chase, Black Business Month Sponsored by Nationwide, 2022 Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing, 2021 BE Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing. As the years went by, the Gardners continued to work hard and Soft Sheen flourished. He served on the boards of Chicago United and The Chicago Urban League. } Career Soft Sheen finished 1997 with sales of $94.5 million. "My father saw the untapped potential of his community. Gardner, Edward G. 1925 | Encyclopedia.com At Harley-Davidson, a repo shortage is hitting the bottom line, Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson names more appointees to transition subcommittees, Booth, Kellogg top the U.S. News ranking of best MBA programs, Big Fulton Market apartment project moves forward with $125 million loan, New lawsuit over 'brazen' moves in Maple & Ash restaurant feud. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Management He believed in himself and his ability to not just hope things worked out, but to make sure things worked out. It bothered him deeply that when he saw construction projects on the South Side, often the workers werent Black. Mr. Gardner graduated from Fenger High School. She transitioned him to the basement, Terri Gardner said. At about the time Soft Sheen and L'Oreal began courting, Mr. Gardner was already in business for himself, introducing his high-end line of products without much fanfare. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY! Get the best business coverage in Chicago, from breaking news to razor-sharp analysis, in print and online. The overall slowdown in sales was compounded by increased competition within the industry. WebMr. aid: '864241', With this war chest, he mounted a campaign that registered more than 200,000 voters. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chicago State University, https://www.csu.edu/foundation/donate.htm. 'This past year, we took some time to tend to our operations and our physical plant to make sure that we were efficient,' she said, adding, 'For 1997, we will have some major new product introductions. Copyright (c) 2022 Company-Histories.com. Here's how to figure out what's wrong with your pup. He taught me the value of a strong work ethic.. In 1987, Soft Sheen moved to compensate for diminishing domestic sales by expanding its presence in overseas markets. It acquired 66 percent of Dyke and Dryden, Ltd., a London-based manufacturer of ethnic hair care products and the largest black-owned business in Europe. He was my father, my hero, my teacher, Gary Gardner said in a news release. Throughout his ownership of the company, he continued to offer exclusive products for his beloved salon customers. Edward G. Gardner, co-founder of Soft Sheen Products View our. They eventually moved into an old factory at 87th and Dobson and renovated the building that would become Soft Sheens new campus. Beloved Chicago philanthropist Edward Gardner, the co-founder of Soft Sheen Products hair care company, died Monday at age 98, CBS News reports. He was a part-owner of the Chicago Bulls, and for many years, attended every home game. In fact, he created a nonprofit organization called Black On Black Love to address violence. As consumers, we often take for granted all the hard work that goes into building a great company. Disagreement or no, Gary Gardner retained his seat on the board of directors, while the company installed his sister, Terri Gardner, as interim president and CEO. The company expected its global expansion to drive sales up to $150 million by the middle of the 1990s. Unfortunately, the domestic market for ethnic hair care products remained in its slump, with hairstyles still tending toward a more natural, less time-intensive look. url: 'honoring,the,legacy,of,a,great,chicagoan,and,black,business,giant,edward,g,gardner,passes,away,at,98', env: 'prod', kw: 'mandc,black-haircare,edward-g-gardner,hair-products,haircare,soft-sheen-products', In early 1999, the company unveiled Frizz Free, an anti-frizzing product that contained conditioners and oils to combat dryness and damage. He taught for several years in Chicago Public Schools and was also an administrator. G7 Solutions. He was the embodiment of the hard-working, family-focused, responsible Black father. only a slight increase over 1996, despite new product introductions and improvements in operational efficiency. In 2000, Ed converted an 84,600 sq. env: 'prod', tag: 'mandc,black-haircare,edward-g-gardner,hair-products,haircare,soft-sheen-products', In 1964, at age ten, Gardner began working for the family business, Soft Sheen Products, Inc., packaging hair care items with his younger sister in the familys home in Chicago. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! based on Chicagos South Side, evolved into one of the nations largest Black-owned businesses. "Today our presence is almost all over the world, with the exception of people of African descent, who have very specific needs in terms of hair," Peyrelongue said. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chicago State University: www.csu.edu/foundation/donate.htm. The post Soft Sheen co-founder, civic leader Edward Gardner dies appeared first on TheGrio. Gardner and his wife Bettiann founded the company in 1964. Testing various mixtures on their children, the Gardners developed several products that were specifically formulated to address the needs of African Americans. Gary Gardner, scion of the family that built one of Chicago's most successful minority-owned businesses, has emerged with a new venture in ethnic hair care products that appears to have struck pay dirt. EX-SOFT SHEEN CHIEF RE-EMERGES | Crain's Chicago In a September 1998 interview with Black Enterprise, Gardner explained the company's decision to join L'Oreal. pos: 'right_rail_2', Edward G. Gardner, a breakthrough businessman in the beauty industry and co-founder of Soft Sheen Products, has passed away, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. cat: 'fashion-beauty', Simultaneously, his wife Denise resigned from her position as vice-president of marketing. url: 'honoring,the,legacy,of,a,great,chicagoan,and,black,business,giant,edward,g,gardner,passes,away,at,98', That gave Mr. Gardner an idea and he began experimenting. He helped elect the citys first Black mayor, Harold Washington, in 1983 loaning the Washington campaign his creative staff as well as helping fund a voter registration campaign. Gardner, the co-founder of the hair care company Soft Sheen Products Inc., died Monday surrounded by family. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Agreement. Beloved Chicago philanthropist Edward Gardner, the co-founder of Soft Sheen Products hair care company, died Monday at age 98, CBS News reports. According to CBS News, a private family service is planned. "At the trade shows, everyone is bunched up around his table trying to find out more about it.". Gary Gardner described the goings on in the family kitchen as somewhere between a science lab and a cooking experiment.. In 1994, the company posted only a .6 percent increase over 1993 sales. In fact, he created a nonprofit organization called Black On Black Love to address violence. ]); He believed that with access to opportunity, hard work, a quality education and safe neighborhoods, there is nothing we cant achieve.. He got up early in the morning, telling us Were not going to make it this way meaning lets get to work. Soft Sheen founder Ed Gardner meets with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel over lack of blacks in construction jobs, Hair discrimination laws: A reprieve from the crime of knowing and loving ourselves. In 2001, After retiring from business, Gardner trained as a spiritual leader and social worker in keeping with her roots of community action. My father saw the untapped potential of his community. In early July 1998, Soft Sheen announced that it had agreed to be acquired by L'Oreal's New York-based U.S. subsidiary, Cosmair Inc. of Chicago Law School, 2000 Ronald G. Garriques "We felt that when we looked at Soft Sheen we saw a great team of people, and we felt if we were able to acquire that expertise and build that expertise, we would have a much better chance of attaining our goals.". You dont replace crime by keep on adding more policemen, Mr. Gardner said of the problem. He was 98, his family said. Meanwhile, Gardner continued giving Soft Sheen a makeover, with many of her efforts focused on improving customer relations. Ald. Background Gardner, Gary Edward was born on August 22, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Born in 1925 to a warehouse worker and a seamstress in the West Chesterfield neighborhood, Gardner was a teacher and administrator for several years in Chicago Public Schools during a time when he was getting his hair care line off the ground. He was my father, my hero, my teacher. ABOUT Soft Sheen Products, Inc. -- Company History Edward G. Gardners hair care line started in his home basement and grew to be one the largest Black-owned businesses of its kind in the nation. cat: 'fashion-beauty', Had America and those in power listened to the Gardners we wouldnt have the murder in our streets that we have right now, if theyd listen to your voice. About Us ORS Hair Care The popularity of Care Free Curl drove revenues up at an almost unbelievable pace, from $500,000 in 1979 to $55 million by 1982. Soft Sheen Products officially launched in 1964 while Mr. Gardner was still an assistant principal at a local school. Gary Gardner WebThe 27-year-old Gary Gardner had been involved with Soft Sheen since its earliest days, when he and his siblings helped their parents by filling shampoo bottles. Edward G. Gardner, co-founder of Soft Sheen Products and beloved philanthropist, dead at 98 Mr. Gardner donated tens of thousands of dollars to causes that sought to end gun violence and helped create the nonprofit Black On Black Love. Please check your email for confirmation from us. See Photos. St. James Press, 2000. Gardner also took steps to revive the company's languishing product development department, hiring a new vice-president of science and technology. Another of her initiatives involved restructuring and consolidating the company's warehouse operations, a move that increased on-time shipments and improved service levels. Soft Sheen co-founder, civic leader, Edward Gardner dies In July 1998, L'Oreal announced that it planned to open a specialized research and development center in Chicago dedicated to ethnic products, the only such R & D center in the world. (Provided) Edward Gardners early efforts at making Black hair care products started in the family kitchen, with his (Photo by Jerome Photography). Mid-1980s-90s: Second-Generation Gardner Leadership. Gary Edward Gardner (born August 22, 1954), American In the fall of 1997, the company launched Alternatives, a line of relaxers and styling products designed for younger women who varied their hairstyles from day to day. If there was a violent event where someone was at the hospital and needed help, he would write a check to that family, Gardners son, Gary Gardner said, the Sun-Times reports. In early 1996, Gary Gardner resigned from his post as Soft Sheen president. About Ed Gardner proudly walked arm-in-arm at the front of the line with his long- time colleagues, Manford Byrd, Lerone Bennett and Timuel Black. Entrepreneurs Summit The 44-year-old Mr. Gardner struck out on his own three years ago after a disagreement with family members about Soft Sheen's future. "Gary slipped this line in through the back door very discreetly, but it's hot as a firecracker," says Kelly Murphy, president of New Jersey-based distributor East West Sales Network, who isn't representing Namaste's products but wishes he were. Mr. Gardner sold the business in 1998. Beloved Chicago philanthropist Edward Gardner, the co-founder of Soft Sheen Products hair care company, died Monday at age 98, CBS News reports. To boost sales, she doubled the company's advertising budget, and began developing new television commercials. With amusement rides, bowling, mini-golf and an interactive learning center, the complex boasted the only roller coaster in Chicago at that time. He taught me how to engage people with humanity and humility., Gardners daughter, Terri, said: My father saw the untapped potential of his community. As an activist and civic leader, Gardner raised $300,000 with Soft Sheens resources 40 years ago, according to a news release. By the late 1980s, the company was one of the largest Black-owned beauty brands in the country. cat: 'fashion-beauty', Gardner As a patron of the arts, Gardner and his wife were instrumental in the development of the New Regal Theater (now the Avalon Regal Theater) a noted venue for Black performers. Under the terms of the agreement, Terri Gardner remained on as president of the Soft Sheen division and also became a member of Cosmair's executive committee. He was born with the inner vision to see the world differently, but more importantly, to see and make a difference to what he saw, said another of his children, Gary Gardner. See Photos. Gary Gardner. In 1964, he left a career as a popular teacher and assistant principal to Harold Washington Edward G. Gardner, co-founder of Soft Sheen Products, died Monday. Gardner served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II and later earned a bachelors degree from Chicago Teachers College (now Chicago State University) and a masters degree from the University of Chicago under the GI Bill. CHICAGO (CBS) -- Many are mourning the loss of Edward Gardner, a Chicago titan in business and philanthropy. From a young age, his four children, Gary, Terri, Guy, and Tracy, along with his wife Bettiann, were intricately involved in the business. According to CBS News, a private family service is planned. kw: 'mandc,black-haircare,edward-g-gardner,hair-products,haircare,soft-sheen-products', Edward Gardners early efforts at making Black hair care products started in the family kitchen, with his wifes pots and pans.

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